Weight distribution hitch apparatus

ABSTRACT

A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distribution apparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch member may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/939,644, filed Nov. 4, 2010, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to vehicle towing and, moreparticularly, to hitch assemblies for towing vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Powered and trailed vehicles are conventionally interconnected fortravel by coupling hitches involving fixed locations on the vehicles.Using ball and socket-type universal connections or pin-typeconnections, the required relative movement during travel is provided;The fixed locations, however, may be difficult to effect, particularlywith large vehicles that prevent ready manual alignment for finalcoupling. In many instances, the receiving hitch of a towing vehicle maybe misaligned both horizontally and vertically relative to the tongue ofa towed vehicle.

When accurate alignment is not obtained, conventionally the towedvehicle is manually moved to proper position, which may requirestrength, dexterity and multiple personnel, often with an attendant riskof injury. As the tongue weight of a towed vehicle increases, the skillrequired and risk associated with coupling the towed vehicle to a towingvehicle may be substantially increased. The problem may be particularlytroublesome for large steerable wheel trailers, such as those employedby the military.

Telescoping and pivoting hitches have been proposed to allow couplingbetween misaligned vehicles. Most are designed for lighter weighttrailers and unsuited for heavy load applications. Others provide only alength-dependent articulation reducing the accommodated zone of vehiclemisalignment.

SUMMARY

It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce aselection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of thisdisclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hitchapparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, atow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a height adjustmentapparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar ismovable relative to the housing between retracted and extendedpositions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extendedposition. The height adjustment member is configured to support a hitchmember and is movable relative to the tow bar such that the hitch membercan be positioned at a plurality of elevations. As such, the hitchmember assembly has both horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilitiesin addition to being extendable. In other words, the hitch memberassembly can overcome misalignment between a towing vehicle and a towedvehicle (e.g., a trailer, etc.) in the X, Y and Z directions. The hitchmember may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, apintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunettering, and a clevis pin attachment. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the hitch member is integral with the height adjustmentapparatus.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hitchapparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, atow bar movably disposed within the housing, a height adjustment memberattached to a distal end of the tow bar, a hitch member assembly, and afastener that removably secures the hitch member assembly to the heightadjustment member at any of a plurality of elevations. The tow bar ismovable relative to the housing between retracted and extendedpositions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extendedposition. As such, the hitch member assembly has both horizontal andvertical adjustment capabilities in addition to being extendable (i.e.,the hitch member assembly can overcome misalignment between a towingvehicle and a towed vehicle in the X, Y and Z directions).

In some embodiments, the height adjustment member includes a rear walland opposing, elongated side walls extending outwardly from the rearwall in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each side wall includes aplurality of vertically spaced apertures formed therethrough. The hitchmember assembly includes a base having opposite side portions. A hitchmember, such as a hitch ball, is secured to the base and the base isremovably secured to the height adjustment member via a pair of supportmembers.

In some embodiments, each hitch member assembly support member has firstand second elongated segments oriented substantially transverse to eachother. The first segment of each support member is secured to arespective side of the base and the second segment of each supportmember includes a pair of spaced-apart apertures formed therethrough. Afastener is engagable with aligned apertures in the support members andheight adjustment member side walls at selected elevations.

In some embodiments, the height adjustment member is a plate havingopposing front and rear sides and rows of vertically spaced aperturesformed therethrough. The height adjustment member is configured tosupport a hitch member, such as a pintle hook or a lunette ring, at aplurality of selected elevations.

In some embodiments, the height adjustment member includes an elongatedstiffening member attached to a rear wall thereof. The stiffening memberincludes a notch that matingly engages a corresponding notch in the towbar distal end.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, a hitchapparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, anda tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The tow bar is movablerelative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and ispivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. A guidepin extends outwardly from a surface of a proximal end portion of thetow bar and is operably engaged with a slot in the housing to limitmovement of the tow bar relative to the housing. An elongated heightadjustment member is attached to a distal end of the tow bar andincludes a hitch member assembly and fastener for removably securing thehitch member assembly to the height adjustment member at any of aplurality of elevations. As such, the hitch member assembly has bothhorizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities in addition to beingextendable (i.e., the hitch member assembly can overcome misalignmentbetween a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle in the X, Y and Zdirections).

In some embodiments, the height adjustment member includes a rear walland opposing, elongated side walls extending outwardly from the rearwall in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each side wall includes aplurality of vertically spaced apertures formed therethrough. The hitchmember assembly includes a base having opposite side portions. A hitchmember, such as a hitch ball, is secured to the base and the base isremovably secured to the height adjustment member via a pair of supportmembers.

In some embodiments, the height adjustment member is a plate havingopposing front and rear sides and rows of vertically spaced aperturesformed therethrough. The height adjustment member is configured tosupport a hitch member, such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, acushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, or a clevispin attachment, at a plurality of selected elevations.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, a hitchapparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, atow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distributionapparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar ismovable relative to the housing between retracted and extendedpositions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extendedposition. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch memberconfigured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and atleast one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardlyfrom the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch membermay be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintlehook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, anda clevis pin attachment.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to oneembodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although notspecifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/orfeatures of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/orcombination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filedclaim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be ableto amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporateany feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in thatmanner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present inventionare explained in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a towing apparatus with a heightadjustment assembly, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of the towing apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe tow bar removed for clarity.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the towing apparatus of FIG. 2taken along lines 3A-3A.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the towing apparatus of FIG. 2taken along lines 3B-3B.

FIGS. 4-6 are partial cut-away plan views of the towing apparatus ofFIG. 1 illustrating movement of the tow bar relative to the hitchapparatus housing, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of the tow bar of FIG. 1 with theheight adjustment assembly attached to a distal end thereof, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the tow bar and height adjustmentassembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the tow bar of FIG. 1, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of the tow bar of FIG. 7A with a heightadjustment member attached to a distal end thereof.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the tow bar and height adjustmentmember of FIG. 9A taken along lines 9B.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tow bar for the hitch apparatus of FIG. 1according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of the tow bar of FIG. 10 with a heightadjustment member attached to a distal end thereof.

FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of the tow bar and height adjustmentmember of FIG. 11A taken along lines 11B.

FIG. 11C is a rear perspective view of the tow bar and height adjustmentmember of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a partial perspective view of a tow bar with a heightadjustment member attached to a distal end thereof, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the tow bar and height adjustment member ofFIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tow bar with a height adjustmentmember attached to a distal end thereof, and having an integral couplingapparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a weight distribution hitch attached tothe height adjustment assembly of FIG. 7A, according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a hitch apparatus, according toother embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of one of the tow bar guide members of thehitch apparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the hitch apparatus of FIG. 15 witha height adjustment assembly attached to a distal end of the tow bar,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the hitch apparatus of FIG. 15 witha height adjustment member attached to a distal end of the tow bar,according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the hitch apparatus of FIG. 15 witha height adjustment member attached to a distal end of the tow bar,according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the hitch apparatus of FIG. 15 witha height adjustment assembly attached to a distal end of the tow bar,according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment assembly ofFIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout. In the figures, certain components or features may beexaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional featuresor elements unless specified otherwise. In addition, the sequence ofoperations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in thefigures and/or claims unless specifically indicated otherwise. Featuresdescribed with respect to one figure or embodiment can be associatedwith another embodiment of figure although not specifically described orshown as such.

It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to asbeing “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the otherfeature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also bepresent. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being“directly on” another feature or element, there are no interveningfeatures or elements present. It will also be understood that, when afeature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or“coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected,attached or coupled to the other feature or element or interveningfeatures or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directlyattached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there areno intervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may beabbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

It will be understood that although the terms first and second are usedherein to describe various features or elements, these features orelements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element.Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed asecond feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or elementdiscussed below could be termed a first feature or element withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present invention. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions orconstructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

The term “vehicle” includes all types of vehicles including, but notlimited to, automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, airplanes, trains,etc., and also includes towed vehicles and towing vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a towing apparatus 10 for a vehicle, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention, is illustrated. Theillustrated towing apparatus 10 includes a frame 20 that is configuredto be mounted to a vehicle, and a hitch apparatus 40 secured to theframe 20. The frame 20 includes an elongated base member 22 with agenerally rectangular cross section (e.g., the base member isrectangular tubing) and opposite end portions 22 a, 22 b. A pair of arms24 extend away from the base member end portions 22 a, 22 b in side byside, spaced-apart relationship, as illustrated, to give the frame agenerally U-shaped configuration.

Each illustrated arm 24 includes a substantially flat web portion 26with an upper free edge 28 and a lower free edge 30. The upper free edge28 is angled relative to the web portion 26 to form a bracket portion32, as illustrated. The lower free edge 30 in the illustrated embodimentis also angled relative to the web portion 26. The angled lower edge 30may provide structural rigidity to the arm 24 and may also help reducethe amount of space beneath a vehicle that is occupied by the frame 20.The shape of each arm 24 may be specifically designed to cooperate withthe chassis/frame and/or underside of a particular vehicle model.Moreover, the shape and configuration of the free edges 30, 32 of eacharm, including angles relative to the web portion 26, may bespecifically designed to cooperate with the chassis/frame and/orunderside of a particular vehicle model.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket portion 32 of each arm 24 issubstantially perpendicular to the web portion 26. This configuration ofthe bracket portion 32 facilitates attachment of the bracket portion 32to a surface of a vehicle chassis/frame member (or other structuralmember). The bracket portion 32 of each arm 24 includes a plurality ofopenings 34 a, 34 b formed therethrough. Openings 34 a, 34 b are sizedand positioned to receive fasteners therethrough that fixedly secureeach arm 24 to the chassis/frame (or other structural member) of avehicle. The number, configuration and orientation of the openings 34 a,34 b may be specifically designed for a particular vehicle. For example,these openings 34 a, 34 b may be aligned with respective openings (orexisting fasteners) in the chassis/frame (or other structural member) ofa vehicle through which new or existing fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws,threaded rods, rivets, etc.) can be inserted. Each arm 24 may also befixedly secured to a vehicle chassis/frame (or other structural member)via welding or via a combination of welding and fasteners.

Still referring to FIG. 1, each arm 24 includes an opening 36 in an endportion 26 a of the web portion 26 that is configured to receive arespective base member end portion 22 a, 22 b therethrough. In theillustrated embodiment, each opening 36 has a rectangular configurationto accommodate the rectangular configuration of the base member 22. Thebase member 22 is fixedly secured to each arm 24 via welding orfasteners or via a combination of welding and fasteners.

Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustratedconfiguration of the arms 26 and frame base member 22. Each of theseelements can have various configurations and shapes to facilitatemounting of the towing apparatus 10 to the underside of a particularvehicle. In some embodiments, base member 22 can be formed fromrectangular tubing or tubing of another shape. The various components ofthe towing apparatus 10 can be formed from various materials known tothose skilled in the art. Exemplary material for one or more componentsincludes, but is not limited to, case-hardened steel.

The hitch apparatus 40 is secured to the base member 22 at a mediallocation between the two arms 24, as illustrated. The hitch apparatus 40includes a housing 50 and a tow bar 60 movably disposed within thehousing 50. The tow bar 60 is movable relative to the housing 50 betweenretracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to thehousing 50 when in extended positions. The illustrated hitch apparatushousing 50 is defined by a base plate 52, an upper plate 54, and anarcuate member 56 sandwiched between the upper plate 54 and base plate52 to form a peripheral wall of the housing 50. A tube member 58 issecured to frame base member 22 and to the upper plate 54, asillustrated. The tube member 58, base plate 52 and upper plate 54 areall secured to the frame base member 22, for example, via welding and/orfasteners. The base plate 52 and upper plate 54 are also securedtogether via fasteners 55, such as bolt 55 a and nut 55 b. However,other types of fasteners may be utilized, without limitation. A pair ofposts 57 (FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B) also extend between the upper plate 54 andbase plate 52 within the housing 50 and form a restricted opening 51 a(FIG. 3A) that is described below. In the illustrated embodiment, posts57 are secured in place via respective brackets 59 that are secured tothe upper plate 54 via fasteners 55.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the hitch apparatus 40 includes a heightadjustment assembly 80. As will be described in greater detail below,the height adjustment assembly 80 includes an elongated heightadjustment member 82 attached to the distal end 60 a of the tow bar 60,a hitch member assembly 84, and at least one fastener 80 p configured toremovably secure the hitch member assembly to the height adjustmentmember at any of a plurality of elevations.

The hitch apparatus housing 50 defines a longitudinally extendingforwardly opening cavity 51 with a restricted opening 51a (defined byposts 57). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tow bar 60 has a distal endportion 60 a and a proximal end portion 60 b connected by a center ormedial portion 60 c. The proximal end portion 60 b has an enlargedconfiguration with a width W₁ that is greater than the width of therestricted opening 51 a (i.e., the distance between posts 57) and suchthat the proximal end portion 60 b cannot be extended through therestricted opening 51 a. The tow bar medial portion 60 c includesoutwardly diverging curvilinear edge portions 63 that cooperate with therestricted opening 51 a such that an extent to which the tow bar 60 canpivot relative to the housing 50 progressively increases as the tow bar60 is progressively extended and, conversely, an extent to which the towbar 60 can pivot relative to the housing 50 progressively decreases asthe tow bar 60 is progressively retracted from an extended position. Assuch, the tow bar 60 can pivot in any extended position, but the degreeto which the tow bar 60 can pivot varies depending on how far out thetow bar 60 is extended.

Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustratedconfigurations of the housing 50 and tow bar 60 shown in FIGS. 1-6.Various other housing a tow bar configurations may be utilized, withoutlimitation. For example, another housing and tow bar configuration thatmay utilize a height adjustment assembly according to embodiments of thepresent invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,984, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a locking mechanism 70 is operably secured tothe tube member 58 and is configured to releasably engage the tow bar 60to maintain the tow bar 60 in a retracted position. The lockingmechanism 70 includes a housing 71 that is in communication with thehitch apparatus housing cavity 51 and that extends through the tubemember 58, as illustrated. A locking member 72 is movably secured withinthe housing 71 and is movable between a position wherein a free end (notshown) of the locking member 72 is inserted through the tow bar opening62 to maintain the tow bar 60 in a fully retracted position (FIGS. 1 and6), and a position wherein the locking member free end is disengagedfrom the tow bar opening 62 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The illustrated lockingmember 72 includes a handle 72 a to facilitate disengaging the lockingmember 72 from the tow bar 60 by a user.

A biasing member (not shown), such as a spring, is operably associatedwith the locking member 72 within the housing 71 and compressivelybiases the locking member 72 toward the tow bar 60, as would beunderstood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Thebiasing member is configured to help retain the locking member withinthe tow bar opening 62 when the tow bar 60 is retracted (FIGS. 1 and 6).In addition, when the locking member 72 is disengaged from tow baropening 62 and the tow bar 60 is in any extended position, the biasingmember urges the locking member 72 into contact with the upper surface60 d of the tow bar 60. When the tow bar 60 is moved back to the fullyretracted position, the biasing member urges the locking member 72 intothe tow bar opening 62 to secure the tow bar 60 in the fully retractedposition and prevent movement thereof.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate movement of the tow bar 60 relative to the hitchapparatus housing 50. The tow bar 60 is fully extended in FIG. 4,partially extended in FIG. 5, and fully retracted in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6,the locking member 72 is engaged with the tow bar opening 62. In FIG. 4,the tow bar 60 is fully extended and the proximal end portion 60 bthereof cannot pass through the restricted opening 51 a (i.e., betweenposts 57). The tow bar 60 is free to pivot from one side to another. Asthe tow bar 60 is extended and retracted, an edge portion 63 may contacta respective post 57 and slide therealong, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Theportion of a post 57 that a respective tow bar edge portion 63 contactsmay have a smooth surface to reduce friction therebetween duringextension and retraction of the tow bar 60. In addition, one or moreportions of the housing upper and lower plates 54, 52 may utilize a lowfriction material to facilitate movement of the tow bar 60. Theillustrated tow bar 60 includes wing portions 60 w that contactfasteners 55 when the tow bar 60 is in the fully retracted position, asillustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, 8 and 9A-9B, the height adjustmentassembly 80 attached to the tow bar 60 of the hitch apparatus 40 of FIG.1 will be described in greater detail. The height adjustment assembly 80includes an elongated height adjustment member 82 attached to the distalend 60 a of the tow bar 60, a hitch member assembly 84, and at least onefastener 80 p configured to removably secure the hitch member assemblyto the height adjustment member at any of a plurality of elevations.

The illustrated height adjustment member 82 is a tubular member having arear wall 82 a, elongated side walls 82 b, 82 c, and a front wall 82 d.The side walls 82 b, 82 c extend outwardly from the rear wall 82 a inadjacent, spaced-apart relationship, and each side wall 82 b, 82 cincludes a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 83 formedtherethrough. Although illustrated as a tubular member, heightadjustment member 82 can have various shapes and configurations.Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustratedtubular configuration of height adjustment member 82. For example, insome embodiments, the height adjustment member 82 can have a “U”-shapedconfiguration with a rear wall 82 a and side walls 82 b, 82 c extendingoutwardly therefrom in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship.

The hitch member assembly 84 includes a base 85 and a hitch member 86secured to the base 85. The illustrated hitch member 86 is a hitch ball.The hitch ball 86 includes a threaded member 86 a that extends throughan opening 85 e in the base 85. A nut 86 b threadingly engages thethreaded member 86 a and secures the ball 86 to the base. The base 85includes opposite upper and lower surfaces 85 a, 85 b, and opposite sideportions 85 c, 85 d. A pair of “L”-shaped support members 88 areattached to the base side portions 85 c, 85 d, such as via welding orfasteners, or a combination of welding and fasteners, and are utilizedto secure the hitch member assembly 84 to the height adjustment member82. Each support member 88 in the illustrated embodiment has first andsecond elongated segments 88 a, 88 b oriented substantially transverseto each other. The first segment 88 a of each support member 88 issecured to a respective side 85 c, 85 d of the base 85. The secondsegment 88 b of each support member 88 includes a pair of spaced-apartapertures 89 formed therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst and second elongated segments 88 a, 88 b are orientedsubstantially orthogonal to each other. However, in other embodiments,the first and second elongated segments 88 a, 88 b can be orientedrelative to each other at various angles. Moreover, support members 88are not limited to the illustrated “L” shape. Support members 88 mayhave various other shapes and configurations, as would be understood bythose skilled in the art of the present invention. In addition, althoughillustrated and described as an assembly, the hitch member assembly 84can be a unitary article formed from a casting, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elevation of the hitch memberassembly 84 is selected by aligning apertures 89 in the support members88 with corresponding apertures 83 in the height adjustment member sidewalls 82 b, 82 c. A fastener 80 p is extended through the alignedapertures 83, 89 to removably secure the hitch member assembly 84 at theselected elevation. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of fasteners80 p, such as pins, are utilized. Each of the fasteners 80 p includes anaperture 80 t formed through a distal end thereof, as illustrated.Aperture 80 t is configured to receive a clip or cotter pin to preventunwanted removal of the fastener 80 p, as would be understood by oneskilled in the art. In other embodiments, each fastener 80 may be athreaded member, such as a bolt, that threadingly receives a nut tosecure the hitch member assembly 84 at the selected elevation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustment member 82 includesan elongated stiffening member 90 attached to the rear wall 82 athereof. The stiffening member 90 includes opposite end portions 90 a,90 b and a medial portion 90 c therebetween. A notch 90 n is formed inthe medial portion 90 c and is configured to matingly engage a notch 60n in the tow bar distal end portion 60 a. The stiffening member 90 andtow bar may be welded together at the mating notches 60 n, 90 n, aswould be understood by those skilled in the art of the presentinvention. In other embodiments, fasteners or a combination of weldingand fasteners may be utilized to attach the stiffening member 90 to thetow bar. Similarly, the stiffening member 90 may be attached to theheight adjustment member 90 via welding, fasteners, or a combination ofwelding and fasteners.

The stiffening member 90 is configured to provide structural integrityand strength to the height support member 82. In the illustratedembodiment, the stiffening member 90 has concave portion 90 d betweenthe medial portion 90 c and the end portion 90 a. This concave portion90 d provides clearance for the locking member handle 72 of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11A-11C, a tow bar 60 and a heightadjustment assembly 180 according to other embodiments of the presentinvention is illustrated. The tow bar 60 is configured to be utilizedwith a hitch apparatus, such as hitch apparatus 40 of FIG. 1. The distalend portion 60 a of the tow bar 60 of FIG. 10 is configured to receive adifferent height adjustment member from that illustrated in FIG. 1.Specifically, the tow bar distal end 60 a of the tow bar 60 of FIG. 10is wider than the distal end 60 a of the tow bar 60 of FIG. 8. Thedistal end portion 60 a of the tow bar 60 of FIG. 10 includes a recessedportion 60 r configured to receive a height adjustment member 100 (FIGS.11A-11C). The distal end portion 60 a also includes a notch 60 n withinthe recessed portion 60 r. In the illustrated embodiment, the heightadjustment member 100 is a plate having opposing front and rear sides100 a, 100 b and rows of vertically spaced apertures 102 formedtherethrough. The height adjustment member 100 is configured to supporta hitch member, such as a pintle hook 400 (FIG. 15) or a swivel-typepintle hook 400′ (FIG. 19), at a plurality of selected elevations. Asknown to those of skill in the art of the present invention, a pintlehook is configured to engage a lunette ring hitch. In some embodiments,a lunette ring may be secured to the height adjustment member 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustment member 100 includesan elongated stiffening member 90 attached to the rear wall 100 athereof. The stiffening member 90 includes opposite end portions 90 a,90 b and a medial portion 90 c therebetween. A notch 90 n is formed inthe medial portion 90 and is configured to matingly engage the notch 60n in the tow bar distal end portion 60 a. The stiffening member 90 andtow bar may be welded together at the mating notches 60 n, 90 n, aswould be understood by those skilled in the art of the presentinvention. In other embodiments, fasteners or a combination of weldingand fasteners may be utilized to attach the stiffening member 90 to the,tow bar 60. Similarly, the stiffening member 90 may be attached to theheight adjustment member 90 via welding, fasteners, or a combination ofwelding and fasteners. The stiffening member 90 provides structuralintegrity and strength to the height support member 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, a tow bar 60 and a height adjustmentmember 282 according to other embodiments of the present invention isillustrated. The tow bar 60 is configured to be utilized with a hitchapparatus, such as hitch apparatus 40 of FIG. 1. In contrast with thetow bar embodiments in FIGS. 8, 9A-9B, 10, 11A-11C, the distal endportion 60 a of the tow bar 60 of FIGS. 12A-12B does not include anotch. The illustrated height adjustment member 282 includes a frontwall 282 a and side walls 282 b, 282 c that extend outwardly from thefront wall 282 a in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each side wall282 b, 282 c includes a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 283formed therethrough. The apertures 283 are configured to align withcorresponding apertures in a coupling apparatus, such as the hitchmember assembly 84 of FIG. 7A, and receive one or more fastenerstherethrough so that the coupling apparatus can be positioned at any ofa plurality of elevations.

Each of the side walls 282 b, 282 c includes a respective notch 284formed therein. The distal end 60 a of the tow bar 60 is inserted withinthe notch 284 of each side wall 282 b, 282 c as illustrated in FIG. 12B.The side walls 282 b, 282 c are then welded to the distal end 60 a ofthe tow bar to secure the height adjustment member 282 to the tow bar60. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theillustrated configuration of the height adjustment member 282. Theheight adjustment member 282 can have various shapes and configurations.Moreover, the sidewalls 282 b, 282 c can have various shapes andconfigurations.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the height adjustment assembly 80 of FIG. 7Ais illustrated with a hitch member assembly 184, according to otherembodiments of the present invention. The illustrated hitch memberassembly 184 is a unitary article, such as formed via casting, andincludes an “L”-shaped member 185 for receiving a coupling apparatus,such as a ball or pintle hook, and two spaced-apart walls 186. Each wall186 includes a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 183 formedtherethrough. The apertures 183 are configured to align withcorresponding apertures 83 in the height adjustment member 82 andreceive one or more fasteners 80 p therethrough, so that the hitchmember assembly 184 can be positioned at any of a plurality ofelevations.

Referring now to FIG. 14, embodiments of the present invention may beutilized with a weight distribution hitch 300. In the illustratedembodiment, the weight distribution hitch 300 is secured to the heightadjustment member 82 of FIG. 7A, and is positionable in any of aplurality of elevations, as described above. The illustrated weightdistribution hitch 300 includes a base 302 that supports a ball hitch305 or other type of coupler. A pair of spaced-apart walls 304 extendoutwardly from the base 302 and are configured to be secured to theheight adjustment member 82. Apertures 303 in the walls 304 areconfigured to align with corresponding apertures 83 in the heightadjustment member 82 and receive one or more fasteners therethrough, sothat the weight distribution hitch 300 can be positioned at any of aplurality of elevations.

The illustrated weight distribution hitch 300 also includes a pair ofelongated rods 306 that extend outwardly from the base 302, asillustrated. The distal end 306 a of each rod 306 is configured to beattached to a respective portion of the frame of a trailer T. As wouldbe understood by those skilled in the art of hitch apparatus, the weightdistribution hitch 300 is configured to evenly distribute weight overthe entire length of a towing vehicle and trailer T, resulting in alevel ride with better control and stability. Moreover, the weightdistribution hitch 300 can facilitate better braking, less strain on thetowing vehicle and increased towing capacity. Use of a height adjustmentmember, however, is not required. The weight distribution member may beconfigured to be attached directly to the tow bar distal end.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-21, a hitch apparatus 140 having a differentconfiguration from that of the hitch apparatus 40 of FIG. 1 isillustrated. The hitch apparatus 140 may be secured to a vehicle via aframe, such as frame 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The hitch apparatus 140may also be secured to a vehicle in other ways.

The hitch apparatus 140 includes a housing 150 and a tow bar 160 movablydisposed within the housing 150. The tow bar 160 is movable relative tothe housing 150 between retracted and extended positions, and ispivotable relative to the housing 150 when in extended positions,similar to tow bar 60 of FIGS. 1-6. The illustrated hitch apparatushousing 150 is defined by a base plate 152, an upper plate 154, anddiverging side walls 156 between the upper plate 154 and base plate 152.Included within the housing 150 are a pair of tow bar guide members 170.Each tow bar guide member 170 is attached to an interior surface of arespective one of the base and upper plates 152, 154 as illustrated inFIG. 15. Each tow bar guide member 170 includes alignment pins 174 thatengage respective apertures 153 in the housing upper and lower plates154, 152 to facilitate proper alignment of the tow bar guide members 170in the housing 150. The tow bar guide members 170 may be secured to theupper and lower plates 154, 152 in various ways including welding,fasteners, or a combination of welding and fasteners.

The tow bar 160 is an elongated tubular member having opposite upper andlower sides 160 a, 160 b. A pair of guides 162, 164 extend outwardlyfrom the upper and lower sides 160 a, 160 b, as illustrated. Guides 162,164 are configured to be operatively engaged with an opening 172 formedin each of the tow bar guide members 170. As illustrated in FIG. 16,each tow bar guide member 170 includes an opening 172 therein. Theopening 172 has an elongated portion 172 a and a generally triangularshaped portion 172 b with arcuate sides. Tow bar guides 162 extendthrough the elongated portion 172 a and engage an elongated slot 154 ain the upper plate 154 and a corresponding elongated slot (not shown) inthe lower plate 152. Tow bar guides 164 are engaged with the generallytriangular portion 172 b in a respective tow bar guide member 170.

In the illustrated embodiment, a cover plate 151 is configured to beattached to the upper plate 154 so as to overlie the elongated slot 154a in the upper plate 154. Although not shown, a corresponding coverplate is configured to be attached to the lower plate 152 so as tooverlie the corresponding elongated slot therein. A locking mechanism190 is operably secured to the housing 150 and is configured toreleasably engage the tow bar 160 to maintain the tow bar 160 in aretracted position in a similar manner as locking member 72 describedabove.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the width of the triangular shaped portion172 b decreases in the direction toward the elongated portion 172 a. Itis the generally triangular shaped portion 172 b that governs the extentto which the tow bar 160 can pivot when extended and it is the elongatedportion 172 a that governs the extent to which the tow bar 160 can beextended during extension and retraction thereof. The generallytriangular shaped portion 172 b also is designed to guide the tow bar160 back into the housing as the tow bar 160 is retracted.

Referring to FIG. 17, the height adjustment assembly 80 described aboveis secured to the distal end 160 a of the tow bar 160 of towingapparatus 140 of FIG. 15, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. In FIG. 18, the height adjustment assembly 180 describedabove is secured to the distal end 160 a of the tow bar 160 of towingapparatus 140 of FIG. 15 and includes a pintle hook 400, according toother embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 19, the heightadjustment assembly 180 described above is secured to the distal end 160a of the tow bar 160 of towing apparatus 140 of FIG. 15 and includes aswivel-type pintle hook 400′, according to other embodiments of thepresent invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, a height adjustment assembly 380 that isconfigured to be utilized with a hitch apparatus, such as hitchapparatus 140 of FIG. 15, is illustrated. Although shown with the hitchapparatus 140, height adjustment assembly 380 can be utilized with thehitch apparatus 40 of FIGS. 1-14, as well. The illustrated heightadjustment assembly 380 utilizes a threaded rod 381 interengaged with aworm gear 382 to allow for infinite elevation positions of the ballmount 384. The height adjustment assembly 380 can be utilized while atrailer is attached thereto to facilitate level towing. The ball mount384 can be raised or lowered, by turning nut 385 attached to thethreaded rod 381 with a wrench, socket, or ratchet drive, as illustratedin FIG. 21.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthis invention have been described, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined inthe claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, withequivalents of the claims to be included therein.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A hitch apparatus, comprising: a housingconfigured to be attached to a vehicle; a tow bar movably disposedwithin the housing, wherein the tow bar comprises opposite proximal anddistal ends and is movable relative to the housing between retracted andextended positions, wherein the tow bar is pivotable relative to thehousing when in an extended position, wherein an extent to which the towbar can pivot relative to the housing progressively increases as the towbar is progressively extended, and wherein a guide pin extends outwardlyfrom a surface of a proximal end portion of the tow bar and is operablyengaged with a slot in the housing to limit movement of the hitchassembly relative to the housing; and a weight distribution apparatusattached to the distal end of the tow bar, wherein the weightdistribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive acoupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weightdistributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle andbe attached to the towed vehicle.
 2. The hitch apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an elongated height adjustment member attached to adistal end of the tow bar, wherein the height adjustment member isconfigured to support the weight distribution apparatus hitch member ata plurality of elevations.
 3. The hitch apparatus of claim 2, comprisingat least one fastener configured to removably secure the weightdistribution apparatus to the height adjustment member at any of theplurality of elevations.
 4. The hitch apparatus of claim 1, wherein theweight distribution apparatus comprises a base that supports the hitchmember, and wherein the at least one weight distributing membercomprises a pair of elongated rods that extend outwardly from the base,wherein each elongated rod comprises a distal end that is configured tobe attached to a respective portion of a frame of the towed vehicle. 5.The hitch apparatus of claim 4, wherein the towed vehicle comprises atrailer and wherein each elongated rod distal end is configured to beattached to a respective portion of a frame of the trailer.
 6. The hitchapparatus of claim 1, wherein the hitch member is selected from thegroup consisting of a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintlehook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment.